Hong Jun-pyo "Han Deok-su's Presidential Bid Unreasonable... Forming Conservative Big Tent After Primary"

Proposal for Four-Year Single-Term Constitutional Amendment
"It's Not About Shortening My Own Term"

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who officially declared his presidential bid, stated on the 14th that he would form a conservative big tent after the People Power Party's presidential primary concludes. He criticized the speculation within the party about Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo running for president as an unreasonable matter.

After declaring his presidential candidacy at his campaign office located in the Daehwa Building in Yeouido, Seoul, Hong met with reporters and made these remarks.

Regarding Acting President Han's potential candidacy, Hong dismissed it as "nonsense." He said of Han, "He is not someone who would act against his duties," and pointed out, "The problem lies with some immature people causing a fuss within the party." He added, "It is unreasonable for the acting official, who should fairly manage the presidential election, to run in it," and criticized, "The very idea that the person who would be the first responsible as prime minister after former President Yoon Seok-youl's impeachment would run for president is absurd."

Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo is declaring his candidacy for the 21st presidential election at the Camp office in Daehwa Building, Yeouido, Seoul on April 14, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

When asked about the possibility of former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min running as an independent after declaring he would not participate in the primary, Hong retorted, "If he leaves the party, it’s Siberia; would he really do that?" and said, "He is determined to break the game." Regarding the possibility of an alliance with Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who has declared he will not run, Hong responded, "What kind of alliance can there be with someone who has withdrawn?" and added, "They disappear from the stage immediately."

However, Hong stated that if he becomes the final candidate in the People Power Party primary, he would unite with other candidates to form an 'anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent.' Hong said, "I will form a big tent after the primary," and added, "More than 60% of voters are absolutely opposed to candidate Lee Jae-myung, and such people will never become president."

Regarding constitutional amendments, he advocated for a four-year single term but said he would not shorten his own term. He remarked, "Who runs for president intending to serve only three years?" and indirectly criticized presidential candidates proposing term reduction amendments by saying, "If they had no confidence in persuading the public, they would not engage in self-harm by shortening their own term."

Meanwhile, on the same day, Hong’s camp announced its first round of appointments. Yoo Sang-beom, a People Power Party lawmaker, was appointed as the General Situation Headquarters Chief; Kim Seon-dong, chairman of the People Power Party’s Dobong-eul district in Seoul, as General Organization Headquarters Chief; Lee Young-soo, chairman of the Central Association of the New Future Preparation Group, as General Support Headquarters Chief; Lee Seong-bae, former MBC announcer, as spokesperson; Kim Wi-sang, People Power Party lawmaker, as head of the Employment and Labor Policy Headquarters; and Kim Dae-sik, People Power Party lawmaker, as chief secretary, among others.